Engineering Commons^™

An Interactive Information System For Tracking Student Academic Progress And Aid In Course Scheduling, Farahzad Behi

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

An interactive information system has been developed for the Computer Engineering Department to promote faster and more accurate means of obtaining academic information on a student or a group of students. It was also developed to provide departmental administrative personnel with information to guide course scheduling. The system has the capability of providing the following information concerning undergraduate students enrolled in the Computer Engineering program of the College of Engineering, University of Central Florida. 1. Basic information about the student, such as, address, telephone number, classification, etc. 2. A student's completed and in-progress courses 3. The grade and other information, …

Fate Of Heavy Metals From Highway Runoff In Stormwater Management Systems, Harvey H. Harper

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The movement and fate of heavy metal inputs (Cd, Zn, Mn, Cu, Al, Fe, Pb, Ni and Cr) from highway runoff were investigated in a three-year study on 1.3 hectare retention facility near the Maitland Interchange on Interstate 4, north of Orlando, Florida. Physical characteristics of the retention pond and surrounding watershed were defined and field instrumentation was installed. Stormwater samples were collected over a one-year period, representing a wide range of intensities and antecedent dry periods. Stormwater characteristics were compared with average retention pond water quality to determine removal efficiencies for heavy metals within the pond. A total of …

An I/O Controller Design For A Mainframe Computer In A Military Training Device, Robert E. Cara

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The design of an I/O Controller capable of processing data in real time in a tactical training simulator is presented. The controller consists of two microprocessor systems that communicate with peripherals by means of programmed I/O, and with the host computer by Direct Memory Access (DMA) and a serial RS232 link. This thesis addresses both the hardware and software aspects of the controller design.

Simulation Of High Resolution Range And Separation Profiles Using A Stepped Frequency Radar Pulse, Howard. Fain

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Single frequency pulse, linear frequency pulse, and stepped frequency pulse are a few of the radar pulse waveforms used to obtain target range information. Using a basic single frequency pulse limits the radar's range resolution by the pulse width, has excessive energy requirements, and is more vulnerable to jamming. With the use of frequency modulation the radar's range resolution can be greatly enhanced. This report deals with some of the issues involved in using stepped frequency pulse trains to obtain high resolution target range and range autocorrelation profiles. Radar returns from stepped frequency pulse trains may be coherently processed to …

Application Software Of The Future-Filter Design With Gem, Alan D. George

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

As the use of computer in engineering design as well as other areas increase, it becomes more imperative that the application software used be as simple, convenient, and powerful as possible. The engineer is not interested in the internal workings of the computer or its operating system. It is the design itself that takes precedence. The filter design package developed for this project, known as FILTER, is such an application. With FILTER, coupled with the Digital Research Graphics Environment Manager, the engineer is led through the analog and digital filter design phase on a personal computer with carefully designed interactive …

Radar: Theory And Insight, Terry A. Dougherty

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Radar principles and design considerations are reviewed, using both analytical and heuristic methods. Emphasis is placed on achieving physical insight while maintaining technical rigor. Waveform properties and signal detectability maximization through matched filtering is discussed in detail. The Moving Target Indicator radar system is presented as an illustration of digital signal processing technology applied to modern radar systems.

A Tool For Developing Diagnostics For A Digital Switching System, David G. Tagge

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Testing large digital systems is difficult. Throughout the literature on “design for testability,” the existence of diagnostic software is assumed. However, developing such software is a significant task. A hardware test fixture was developed to assist in the development of diagnostic software for a Stromberg-Carlson Corporation switching system. Two circuit boards were designed, constructed, and debugged.

Thmfp Reduction In Potable Water Using Granular Activated Carbon With And Without Pre-Ozonation, Rebecca M. Ciliax

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effectiveness of using granular activated carbon (GAC) to reduce trihalomethane formation potential (TIIMFP) in potable water . The City of Melbourne , Florida was chosen as a study site due to excessive levels of THM's in the finished water (greater than the 0.1 mg/1 standard). A pilot plant s tudy lasting 473 days included two GAC column systems : one receiving unozonated water, the other ozonated water. The water used in these experiments was obtained from Lake Washington, a highly colored surface water source which supplies Melbourne . The water applied to the GAC columns was …

Level Curve Concept For Facility Planning Using The Apple Ii Graphics Tablet, Craig E. Kirkland

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this effort is to demonstrate the feasibility of using a low cost microcomputer graphics system to assist the practicing engineer in solving facility planning problems. In many cases the lower resolution of the microcomputer system may be adequate and a better choice than a more expensive system. A demonstration microcomputer graphics system was developed using the Apple II Plus computer and an Apple Graphics Tablet. The facility planning problem chosen was single-facility location using the level curve concept in the rectilinear movement case. Two separate programs were written. The first was used to define the layout of …

Data Acquisition And Analysis Routines For Laser Propagation Experiments, Steven M. Burke

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Processing and analysis routines giving normalized moments of optical intensity, structure functions of wind velocity and temperature, central moments, and various measures of the turbulence parameter, C²_N, are presented. Rapid analog-to-digital data conversion and storage to implement this analysis using MINC 11/23 with RT11 operating system are discussed. Coding for file organization and implementation of processing routines on the VAX 11/750, VMS operating system are also discussed.

Metal Leaching Characteristics Of Three Synthetically Generated Metal Finishing Sludges, Christopher M. Cherniak

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A study was performed involving the leaching characteristics of three synthetically-generated metal finishing sludges. Three precipitates (one hydroxide, two sulfide-based) containing varying concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc were dewatered and subjected to an EPA-regulated limits. The sludge generated from an insoluble sulfide process exhibited the fewest parameters in violation (two), while the soluble sulfide sludge had one metal in compliance and the hydroxide sludge had none. On a metal-by-metal basis, the lead and copper exhibited the greatest capacity to withstand resolubilization in a low pH (5) environment. Nickel and zinc were present at the highest leachate concentrations …

An Automated System For University Placement Center Interview Scheduling And Database Management, John C. Debo

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

As the University of Central Florida grows, the number of students using the placement center increases and the number of prospective employers conducting interviews also increases rapidly. The present system for scheduling interviews and maintaining records on students and employers is time and paperwork intensive, and is falling behind the load.

The system described in this paper is designed to do most of the interaction with students seeking interviews to aid the staff in scheduling the employers' interviewing days, and to do most of the record keeping of eligible students and prospective employers.

The several program modules are written in …

Fast-Flyback Mirror Scanner, Raymond E. Hanna

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The system analysis and computer simulation for a fast-flyback mirror scanning system is presented. Mirror dynamic equations are developed to define the torque requirements for the drive motor. Electromechanical modeling and Laplace transforms are formulated to develop system equations for computer simulation. From the computer simulation, the servo performance parameters are selected for the servo loop to complete the design.

An Evaluation Of Wheelchair Restraint Systems Used In The Transportation Of Disabled Persons, Robin L. Drespel

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

There has been a significant effort to provide disabled persons with increased independence and mobility. The federal government requires that transportation facilities be made accessible to the disabled, and the number of handicapped persons using these facilities is expected to increase significantly in the future. Restraint systems have been required for passenger cars since the 1960s, and considerable effort has been dedicated to increasing public awareness of the benefits of seat belt usage. Little effort has been devoted to the development of restraint systems for individuals who must use wheelchairs as vehicle seats. A survey was conducted in the Central …

Sampling Rate Conversion As Applied To Speech, Terry E. Tanzey

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

There are several different ways to perform sampling rate conversion. Two methods for sampling rate conversion are discussed in this paper. The first is the interpolator method (ideal) which uses the interpolation formula. The word “ideal” is used in the sense that given other forms of interpolation, the most accurate results are achieved by using the interpolation formula. Given samples of bandlimited analog signal taken at a rate at least twice the Nyquist frequency, it is possible to reconstruct the original analog signal by using the interpolation formula. The second is the traditional way of sampling rate conversion, which is …

Designing And Installing Radiant Barrier Systems, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

A radiant barrier system is, in general, a layer of foil facing an airspace, installed in the envelope of a building. Such systems are very effective in impeding radiant heat transfer and consequent heat gain, especially in southern residences. Before designing and installing a radiant barrier system, you should become familiar with the concept of radiant energy transfer. Design Note 6, Radiant Energy Transfer and Radiant Barrier Systems in Buildings, is required reading if you are not familiar with this concept.

Solar Distillation Of Water, Florida Solar Energy Center, Ross Mccluney

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center receives frequent requests for information about solar distillation for purifying water. Distillations is one of many processes available for water purification, and sunlight is one of several forms of heat energy that can be used to power that process. Sunlight has the advantage of zero fuel cost but it requires more space (for its collection) and generally more costly equipment.

To dispel a common belief, it is not necessary to boil water to distill it. Simply elevating its temperature, short of boiling, will adequately increase the evaporation rate. In fact, although vigorous boiling hastens the …

Effects Of Finite Length Registers On A Modified Directform Realization Of A High Order H(Z) Transfer Function, Angel Vanrell

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

When a digital process is realized on a general-purpose computer or a special-purpose hardware, errors due to finite register length are introduced. These errors are due primarily to arithmetic roundoff, coefficient quantization, and scaling rules. This paper addresses the effects of finite word length on a direct-form implementation of a high order H (z) transfer function. The development and analysis of a modified direct-form realization suggested by Dr. Fred O. Simons, are carried out via FORTRAN emulation of a fourth-order low-pass Butterworth filter. The results are presented as a parametric tradeoff of signal-to-noise ratio at the filter output versus word …

The Design Of Standard Cell Vlsi Circuits, Randolph L. Abidin

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

There are basically three methods of designing Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits; Gate Array, Standard Cell, and Full Custom. The objective of this research is to design a VLSI circuit using the Standard Cell approach. A prime requisite for a successful design of these circuits is an integrated Computer Aided Design (CAD) system. The chip design requirements for an integrated CAD system are developed and their interrelationships are presented. As VLSI circuits grow in complexity, the problem of how to test them becomes more difficult. Two methods for testing are defined: 1. Insertion within the system of which the …

Using Simulation To Predict The Financial Effect Of Hospital Management Policies Under A Prospective Reimbursement, Timothy G. Atkins

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Recent legislation by Medicare restricts its reimbursement per patient according to the patient's particular type of disease. The reimbursement is based on a set of Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG's), which categorizes patients into disease classifications. As a result, hospitals must make efficiency gains and managers must look for new ways to provide quality care while containing costs. A simulation technique was developed by which the financial results of particular administrative policies can be predicted. Patient billing data were collected over a three-month period and analyzed for the purpose of simulating length of stay and resource consumption per cost center. Regression …

Estimating Methods For Production Test Labor, Garry K. Stonebraker

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This report mentions some of the difficulties faced by labor estimators when predicting the labor necessary to produce complex weapon systems. Specific attention is focused on estimating the durations and frequencies of testing, troubleshooting, and retesting activities. Emphasis is placed on estimating in a logical manner while using factors based on subjective judgment.

Surface Acoustic Wave Bidirectional Filter Synthesis And Analysis, Raymond L. Yap

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices are manufactured using standard metallization and photolithographic techniques that have been established by the semiconductor industry. The facilities in the newly developed Microelectronics laboratory at the University of Central Florida will be utilized in the fabrication of a SAW device.

This thesis will outline the complete procedure beginning with the initial design from given specifications, up to mask generation, fabricating and testing of the device. This will serve to calibrate the fabrication process for future work in SAW device and semiconductor fabrication.

The models that are used in the SAWCAD design software will be verified …

An Integrated Test Plan For An Advanced Very Large Scale Integrated Circuit Design Group, William S. Didden

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

VLSI testing poses a number of problems which includes the selection of test techniques, the determination of acceptable fault coverage levels, and test vector generation. Available device test techniques are examined and compared. Design rules should be employed to assure the design is testable. Logic simulation systems and available test utilities are compared. The various methods of test vector generation are also examined. The selection criteria for test techniques are identified. A table of proposed design rules is included. Testability measurement utilities can be used to statistically predict the test generation effort. Field reject rates and fault coverage are statistically …

The Design Of A Qpsk Modem And The Probability Of Error Analysis For An Sca Based Digital Communication System, Fouad Guediri

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

An analysis of the probability of error for an SCA based digital communication system is developed. QPSK modulation and the signal to noise ratio degradation due to the SCA transmission are analyzed to predict the performance of the system in terms of probability of error. The design and analysis of a QPSK model, a pseudorandom generator, and a pseudorandom correlator are also presented in this thesis.

Analytical Investigation Of Performance Of A Solar Powered Free-Piston Stirling-Stirling Heat Pump Cooling An Insulated Enclosure, Gary D. Beckfeld

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

An analytical investigation was attempted of a solar driven free-piston Stirling engine driving a second free-piston Stirling engine as a heat pump. A dynamic model and a thermodynamic model with free convection heat transfer were derived. The governing equations were programmed to obtain numerical solutions by computer. Graphs of piston displacements, volumes, pressures, mass cycles, and temperatures versus time are presented. Engine work output, operating frequencies, and efficiencies are calculated. Effects of parameter variations are presented. However, because proper phase angles could not be obtained for this model, the cooling performance of the system could not be evaluated. Limitations of …

Design Of An Evaluation System For The Electro-Oculometer, Chrysanthos A. Panayiotou

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this paper is to develop a system for evaluation of a skin-voltage Oculometer. A test set-up is designed that allows any person to attach the input of the Oculometer (electrodes) on his/her-self and obtain the transfer characteristics of the system. Two set-ups are designed. In the first one, the static transfer characteristics are obtained with the aid of a wall chart. In the second one, the dynamic transfer characteristics are obtained with the aid of a computer moving a bright spot on a large screen television set. An investigation of the possible sources of error is also …

Transformation Of Phosphorus In Highway Runoff Management Systems, David B. Pearce

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The operation and maintenance of highways contributes a variety of pollutants to surface and subsurface waters. Solids, heavy metals, nutrients, oil and grease, pesticides and bacteria can all be associated with highway runoff. Although the full extent of the effect of all these runoff constituents upon the quality of surrounding waters is not well defined, this study will mainly concentrate on nutrient contaminants (essentially phosphorus). The last decade has seen increasing efforts in research and development to abate contaminant discharges from highway runoff using a number of treatment facilities such as swale and detention/retention ponds. An evaluation of the effectiveness …

Analog Flight Simulators To Computer Interface, William J. Selph

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The College of Engineering at the University of Central Florida has a flight simulator. This simulator was built as a stand-alone Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) training aid. The college has attempted on several occasions to augment this simulator system with a visual (out the cockpit view) simulation for the trainee pilot. Funding and resources have restricted or limited these enhancements to non real-time simulation. This project/thesis provides the university with part of the solution to accurate real time simulation. The simulated aircraft position and direction is acquired at 9 to 40 Hertz with 10-bit resolution. This data is made available …

A Comparison Of Two Techniques For Estimating The Travel Time Of An Acoustic Wavefront Between Two Receiving Sensors, Frank J. Montalbano

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

In recent years the United States Navy has concentrated most of its Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) research and development efforts toward passive sonar. Its ability to locate enemy targets without being detected gives the passive sonar system a supreme strategic advantage over its active counterpart. One aspect of passive sonar signal processing is the time delay estimation of an underwater acoustic wavefront. From this estimation the location and velocity of the radiating source (target) can then be determined. This report compares two popular methods of estimating time delay utilizing computer simulations of each: the cross correlator and the beamformer.

Awqpsk : An Optimum Modulation Technique For Spread Spectrum Communication, Madjid A. Belkerdid

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) and minimum shift keying (MSK) are the two most used M-ary modulation techniques in Direct-Sequence (DS) Spread Spectrum Communication systems. This thesis introduces a new modulation technique that can compete well with QPSK and MSK in many applications. This new modulation technique, made up of a superposition of one QPSK signal and two amplitude weighted QPSK signals, is called Amplitude Weighted Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (AWQPSK). It is found to have the same probability of error as QPSK and MSK techniques. It has a higher bandwidth efficiency in bits/sec/Hz than QPSK and MSK. It has …